Road Legal

The latest updates on the laws and regulations which affect road transport.

New EU drivers’ hours rules

On April 11th 2007 the new EU Drivers’ Hours rules (Regulation 561/2006) will come into force. Drivers and operators will face considerable changes, so to help you through the transition, Roadtransport.com has joined forces with Tachodisc to produce a three-page "microsite" to tell you exactly what you need to know and to answer your questions.

EC regulation 561/2006 implements changes from 11 April 2007 to the scope, exemptions and definitions of rules on rest and breaks. It also introduces further changes to the production of records at the roadside from 1 January 2008.

Roadtransport.com / Tachodisc microsite

FTA members' briefing note

Red diesel

HM Revenue and Customs is expected to amend the list of vehicles that are permitted to use rebated fuel. Unlicensed vehicles not used on public roads will need to make a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) declaration; the tractor/agricultural, limited road use and mobile crane categories will be reworded; and the road construction vehicle category will be removed. In addition, there will be two new categories: road surfacing vehicles and agricultural material handlers. The changes are expected to take effect from 11 April 2007.

HM Revenue & Customs - diesel fuel for road vehicles

Corporate Manslaughter - new legislation

The government wishes to introduce a new offence to hold organisations to account for gross failings by their senior management that have had fatal consequences. As a corporate offence, it will not apply to individual directors or others. However, proceedings for manslaughter, or under health and safety law, will continue to be possible against individuals.